Our seven academic learning goals were implemented by the Ursuline Studies Program in1992 when our women-focused curriculum was adopted. Still relevant, they are mirrored in the Essential Learning Outcomes identified by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (2007). Research conducted with employers (Hart Research Associates & AACU, 2010) also align these goals with successful employment after college.

The goal of the Ursuline Studies Program it to promote and develop these abilities so that students can successfully integrate them into academic, professional, social, and personal situations.

What Employers Want*

USP Learning Outcomes

Analytical/Research Skills. Deals with your ability to assess a situation, seek multiple perspectives, gather more information if necessary, and identify key issues that need to be addressed.

Analyze and Synthesize by examining and distinguishing constituent elements (analysis) and combining parts or elements into a whole (synthesis).

Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written). By far, the one skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively.

Communicate Effectively by exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions or feelings through a common system of language, symbols, signs or gestures appropriate for everyday living.

Interpersonal Abilities. The ability to relate to your co-workers, inspire others to participate, and mitigate conflict with co-workers is essential given the amount of time spent at work each day.Teamwork. Because so many jobs involve working in one or more work-groups, you must have the ability to work with others in a professional manner while attempting to achieve a common goal.

Interact Socially by engaging in behavior that permits effective relationships in both one-to-one and group situations.

Honesty/Integrity/Morality. Employers probably respect personal integrity more than any other value, especially in light of the many recent corporate scandals.Dedication/Hard-Working/Work Ethic/Tenacity. Employers seek job-seekers who love what they do and will keep at it until they solve the problem and get the job done.

Make Decisions Based on Values by making discriminations based upon the consideration of what the individual prizes as ethical, socially worthwhile, good, beautiful, and true.

Respond to Beauty by integrating the cognitive and affective domains in a personal experience of the arts.

Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity. Involves the ability to find solutions to problems using your creativity, reasoning, and past experiences along with the available information and resources.

Solve Problems by finding a solution to a question or situation that presents uncertainty or difficulty

Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness. There is possibly no bigger issue in the workplace than diversity, and job-seekers must demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures.Dependability/Reliability/Responsibility. There's no question that all employers desire employees who will arrive to work every day -- on time -- and ready to work, and who will take responsibility for their actions.

Take Responsibility for Society by accepting the obligation to respond to unjust or oppressive social situations.